Turning Sore Losers into Good Sports: Using Rewards to Build Positive Habits
(1.5-minute read)
Turning Sore Losers into Good Sports:Using Rewards to Build Positive Habits
When I teach kids red and green behaviors, such as being a sport instead of a sore loser, I define a red response to losing as yelling,…
When a toddler hurts his new baby sister
(3-minute read)
What to Do When a Toddler Hits Their Baby Sibling
In one of my recent workshops, I discussed a common challenge: when a two-and-a-half year old toddler hurts their new 4-month-old baby sibling. Managing this behavior can…
Do I Love My Child More Because I Do Things For Her?
(1-minute read)
As parents, we often find ourselves wondering if doing things for our child is the ultimate act of love. When a 5-year-old begs to be…
What’s It Like Inside Dr. Devora (Samet) Witriol’s Social Skills Course?
Lessons, Laughter, and Life Skills
Hi. My name is Chaya and I’m just finishing up a course on “How to Teach Social Skills” by Dr. Devora…
When That Little Voice In Your Head Is Telling You To Do Red…
One of the most eye-opening lessons I learned in a DBT course during graduate school was the concept of urges. An urge is like…
Does This Simple Strategy Really Work??
Over the years, I’ve worked with many children who struggled to manage frustration and strong feelings. Instead of asking for what they needed, they “acted out” their emotions—spilling snack cabinets when they didn’t get the snack they…
My Student Was Livid!!
(2-minute read)
A recent session with one of my students brought to life a principle from the book How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish: “Until the bad feelings come…
A Legacy of Warmth and Wisdom: Remembering Rabbi Meir Chaim Gutfreund zt”l
In Memory of Rabbi Meir Chaim Gutfreund zt”l
Last night, just as I was about to begin teaching my course, I learned of the passing of Rabbi Meir Chaim Gutfreund zt”l. A Master Mechanech (educator), he epitomized…
Transforming a Hostile Home Environment
As parents, we hope for peace, joy, love, and happiness in our homes. At times though, we experience the opposite. If you’re experiencing a hostile environment at home, know that you can turn it around and create…
Short Praise or Long Thank You Speech?
(45-second read)
Question:
I’m wondering what’s more effective for my teenage child: Short, frequent positive comments or a long Thank You speech?
Answer:
Short, positive comments throughout the day—like “I like how you problem-solved!” or “Thanks for helping clean…
